The Senators took advantage of the Rocket’s long layoff to open the scoring with their second shot on goal. At 2:37, Jack Dougherty’s point shot was partially blocked by Yannick Veilleux and the puck went right to Mark Kastelic for the goal from the slot. 

Laval took over the period at that point. Tobie Paquette-Bisson beat Filip Gustavsson with a wrist shot from the blue line. The goal at the 10:46 mark was Pasquette-Bisson’s first career goal in the American Hockey League. 

With 5:52 remaining, Joseph Blandisi won the face-off and passed the puck to Joel Teasdale, who beat Gustavsson with a wrist shot on the glove side. It was Teasdale’s first goal in eight games. 

Laval outshot Belleville 11-4 and was unsuccessful in their two power play opportunities.

The Rocket increased their lead to two goals 1:01 into the second period. Vejdemo netted his first goal in nine games by redirecting Belzile’s point shot. Corey Schueneman’s assist was his first point in six games. 

Belleville obtained a two-man advantage for 1:14 when Michael Pezzetta and Gustav Olofsson were both serving minors. McNiven made some key saves during the penalty kill that helped Laval run the time out on Belleville’s power play. 

The Rocket had two of their own man advantages that they weren’t able to convert.

Laval took a commanding lead in the third period by scoring the next two goals. Firstly, Ryan Poehling beat Gustavsson on the glove side with a shot from the face-off circle at the 5:17 mark. The goal was Poehling’s fifth goal in the last eight games. 

Secondly, Belzile intercepted Lassi Thomson’s pass and found Vejdemo open in front of the net for his second goal of the night. It was Belzile’s third assist of the night. 

Laval allowed Belleville to close the gap in the lead with four consecutive penalties in the last 10:32 of regulation time. The Senators capitalized with two power play goals scored by Angus Crookshank and Cole Reinhardt.  

With the goalie on the bench for the extra attacker, Parker Kelly beat McNiven with 1:18 remaining to make it 5-4.

The victory extended the Rocket’s winning streak to three games. Laval’s unnecessary penalties allowed Belleville to get back into this contest. 

Laval travelled back home after the game, and will return to Ottawa on Thursday evening in preparation for Friday’s match against the Senators. 

Be sure to scroll down to hear post-game interviews with Belzile, Paquette-Bisson, Vejdemo, and Bouchard by the AHL Report team and other members of the media.